Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung attends the Plaque Gifting Ceremony and the Inauguration Ceremony of the “Vietnam Space Museum” - a project to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the 50th anniversary of Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.

Attending the event were Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung; Prof. Acad. Chau Van Minh - Member of the Party Central Committee, Party Secretary, and President of  Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology; two Vice Presidents of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology: Prof. Dr. Tran Tuan Anh and Prof. Dr. Chu Hoang Ha; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Anh Tuan - General Director of the Vietnam National Space Center; Comrade Nguyen Manh Cuong – Deputy Chief of the Government Office; Comrade Vu Xuan Hung - Head of the Management Board of High-Tech Parks and Industrial Parks of Hanoi City; representatives of the leadership of VAST’s affiliated units; along with the entire leadership and staff of the Vietnam National Space Center.

Plaque Gifting Ceremony and Inauguration Ceremony of the Vietnam Space Museum

Vietnam Space Museum is not only a modern architectural work but also the crystallization of the intellect, creativity, and aspiration of the Vietnamese people to reach for the stars. It is a diverse experiential space for space science and technology, where visitors can journey back in time to explore the origins of the universe and move forward to discover today’s most advanced technologies.

Vietnam Space Museum, construction of which began in October 2022, covers more than 1,500 square meters of outdoor space and over 1,600 square meters of indoor space across two floors. Designed in a modern style inspired by the boundless expanse of the universe, the museum employs refined lighting effects and advanced simulation technologies to create a dynamic environment. Satellite, planet, and rocket models are meticulously crafted, arranged scientifically, and presented with striking realism, offering visitors an experience that is both visually captivating and intellectually engaging. The spatial layout is organized along a timeline—from the early formation of the universe to present achievements and a promising future ahead. Vietnam Space Museum is divided into main sections, each with unique themes:

•  Outdoor Space: An area showcasing models of the planets in the Solar System and a unique sundial.
•  Indoor Space: The first floor features models of basic scientific experiments on light, sound, and Newton’s laws of gravitation, as well as exhibits on planets, stars, galaxies, and in particular, the Solar System. The second floor includes: (1) Space Technology Exhibition Area: Displaying models of the LOTUSat-1 satellite and other satellites developed by Vietnam, rocket models from various countries, and a model of the International Space Station (ISS) module. (2) Space Technology Applications Area: Highlighting the contributions of space science and technology to everyday life, from weather forecasting to telecommunications and global positioning applications.
•  Astronomical Tower: A special highlight featuring a modern 500 mm optical reflecting telescope, enabling clear observations of the night sky.
•  Planetarium Dome: A dome-shaped space with a diameter of 12 meters, seating capacity of 100 people, equipped with vivid visual and sound effects.

In addition, the Museum reflects the profound connection between Vietnamese cultural history and outer space through exhibits such as ancient Vietnamese star maps, interactive screens simulating the surface of bronze drums - a symbol of the Vietnamese worldview with the Sun at the center and legends embedded in Vietnamese culture, such as Uncle Cuoi on the Moon, the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl. It also highlights the efforts of generations of Vietnamese people, expressing their aspiration to explore and conquer space and the universe.

Visiting the Museum 

After touring the Vietnam Space Museum, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung visited the facilities of the Vietnam Space Center at Hoa Lac High-Tech Park and planted a commemorative tree, symbolizing the commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development.

Planting a commemorative tree at the LOTUSat-1 Satellite Ground Station

As part of the Ceremony, the Deputy Prime Minister met with the staff of the Vietnam Space Center to listen to their perspectives and discuss the future orientation of Vietnam’s space development. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Anh Tuan, General Director of Vietnam National Space Center, reported to the Deputy Prime Minister on the implementation results of the Vietnam Space Center Project and proposed several issues, including the development of strategic products such as low-orbit “Made in Vietnam” satellites; building large data systems applying satellite data to monitor socio-economic development; and drafting and promulgating the Space Law and the Space Development Strategy to 2045.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung delivers remarks at the meeting

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung expressed his “impression, admiration, and pride” at the efforts and achievements of the Vietnam National Space Center - under Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology - over the past more than 10 years, while also highly appreciating the unique and engaging experiences offered at Vietnam National Space Museum. These achievements have contributed to affirming Vietnam’s scientific research and technological development capacity in fields requiring high levels of expertise and specialization. To further promote the role of Vietnam National Space Center, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized several key tasks: focusing on the effective implementation of the “Strategy for the Development and Application of Space Science and Technology to 2030” and developing the strategic product of a low-orbit Earth observation satellite “Made in Vietnam.” In this regard, scientific research projects and programs must be closely aligned with practical needs and follow a feasible roadmap; actively connect with the national innovation ecosystem; prioritize training and capacity-building for experts, researchers, and young scientists to form strong research groups in space science at both regional and international levels; proactively upgrade and invest in new infrastructure and equipment to international standards to meet the dynamic demands of research, technological development, and satellite products in the new context; strengthen international cooperation activities; and promote communication and STEM education.

In particular, Vietnam National Space Museum, having now been inaugurated, must become a space for learning and inspiration for younger generations; it must serve as a bridge connecting space science and technology with everyday life. On that foundation, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology and Vietnam National Space Center should be developed into Vietnam’s leading institutions for research, technological development, and satellite manufacturing, gradually becoming leading research entities in the region and the world.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung expressed his hope that in the coming time, the Vietnam National Space Center - under Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology - will continue to advance with strength and confidence in successfully carrying out its assigned tasks, making practical contributions to the nation’s science and technology development, innovation, and digital transformation.

Following the inauguration, Vietnam National Space Museum will announce on the official website of the Vietnam National Space Center at https://vnsc.org.vn the schedule for pilot opening to visitors.

Translated by Phuong Ha
Link to Vietnamese version